Minoru Yada

Minoru Yada (矢田 稔, Yada Minoru) born on April 27, 1931 in Tokyo, Japan, is a veteran Japanese actor, voice actor and singer whose career spans over eight decades. Beginning his professional journey in 1939, Yada initially performed on stage before transitioning to voice work for television animation, where his distinctive timbre quickly earned him recognition. One of his early notable roles was Professor Shikishima, also known as Dr. Bob Brilliant, in the classic Tetsujin 28‑go (1963), showcasing his ability to bring intellectual characters to life. Throughout the 1970s and 1980s he continued to diversify his portfolio, portraying Grandpa in Mokku of the Oak Tree (1972) and Silas in The Adventures of Tom Sawyer (1980), demonstrating a versatility that allowed him to voice both gentle elders and robust supporting figures. In the beloved romantic comedy series Maison Ikkoku (1986) he lent his voice to Hanae Ichinose’s husband, adding depth to the series’ ensemble cast. Yada’s contributions to beloved children’s series include the iconic Baikin‑sennin in Soreike! Anpanman (1989) and the whimsical Hemulen in Moomin (1990), roles that have endeared him to multiple generations of viewers. His work in theatrical animation is equally distinguished, with memorable performances as Niga in Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind (1984), the Old Man in Hayao Miyazaki’s Porco Rosso (1992), and the elderly figure in Doraemon: Nobita and the Spiral City (1997). In recognition of his lifelong dedication, Yada received the Merit Award at the 14th Seiyu Awards, highlighting his lasting impact on the voice acting industry. Beyond animation, he has also contributed to Japanese dubbing of Western films, notably voicing Juror #2 in the 1974 Japanese dub of 12 Angry Men. Today, still active in the industry, Minoru Yada remains a respected figure whose prolific career continues to inspire aspiring actors and voice talent across Japan and abroad.